Peter and Vicky originally from England, came to South Africa on a honeymoon in 1996. Returning in 97 they discovered Packwood and were bowled over by the captivating feeling of this special place. Recognising the huge potential to convert the property into what it is today a beautiful country estate, with unparalleled views, perfectly located just 20 kilometres from Plett and 25 from Knysna. In the middle of the Garden Route the best of both worlds.
Packwood lies in an historical part of the Knysna forest, close by is the oldest forestry station in South Africa, overlooking Packwood's farm to the front and indiginous forest to the rear, today it is used for the weary hiker as a rest stop, many tales are told of the elephants terrorising vegetable patches and stealing pumpkins, roaming freely across the lands at Packwood before journeying back into the forest. Upon arrival in 97 there was indeed evidence of elephant prints across the fields and infact forestry displayed a sign outside warning people to "Beware you are entering elephant country". Sadly now the elephants have depleted and those that are left have gone deeper into the forest, it could be a long time before we see an elephant at the bottom of our garden.
The dairy at Packwood was started from scratch, a baron farm without cattle or buildings, it is now home to 950 Jersey's, milking up to 450 cows per day. Deliciously rich and creamy milk provides the perfect ingredient for Butlers extra mature cheddar a premium quality handcrafted cheese and their smooth and silky butter for your freshly baked bread. Guests are more than welcome to visit the parlour at milking time.
In 2006 Peter and Vicky were ready for the next challenge, for many years the Gents felt the Garden Route had huge potential as a new wine growing region, with similar climates to parts of Europe and New Zeland, the vineyard was developed. If you book in late February or the beginning of March be prepared to get stuck in, the harvest begins and as they say many hands make light work.
Recognising the need for education in the agricultural sector and in order to secure food production in South Africa, Packwood became a founder member and proud shareholder in Amadlelo Agri PTY Ltd.
Amadlelo's objectives are to create a sustainable milk producing enterprise, contribute to alleviating poverty and unemployment, transforming the milk farming sector and develop black farming expertise by empowering community members with ownership of a modern commercial farming operation.
Amadlelo has grown from strength to strength since 2004 and formed one of the most sustainable, successful BEE agricultural enterprises in South Africa. Together with National Empowerment funds of R9m, the Amadlelo farmers raised R8.5 million to form Middledrift Dairy based in the Eastern Cape, additionally Amadlelo provided over 600 cows and additional operational and working capital for the development of the farm.
In November 2008 Middledrift produced 2.1million litres of milk and is projected to reach 3 million per year once the dairy is in full production. The dairy employs 30 workers from the community and is managed by black graduates from Amadlelo/Forte Hare University initiative.
This entrepreneurial initiative has formed meaningful partnerships between skilled white farmers and black land owners, a win win solution for everyone, the community providing the land and the farmers providing the capital investment.
Packwood employs 15 permanent staff members from the local community and up to 10 additional contract staff during harvest times and peak milking season. Packwood is committed to the training and development of their staff members.
